Life Is Precious

There is a simple but beautiful truth we too often let slip from our minds as our world seems to overwhelm us. The great African-American poet, Nikki Giovanni, puts it so perfectly, "Life is precious."

Think of it. Each one of us, man and woman, have been created in the image of God. He has breathed into us the breath of life--His breath. And every breath we take all day long is a precious gift from Him to us. "In Him we live and move and have our being."

And the preciousness of life is all around us. Why are we always looking for something more, something better--and thus missing some of the most precious moments of life. Mom after a day of taking care of the kids or a day of work away from home, comes home and lovingly prepares a meal for everyone. Dad works all day to bring home the money needed to feed, clothe, and care for his family--and then is so reluctant to spend any of it on himself. Grandma takes the grandchild into her kitchen and teaches him or her to make the best chocolate chip cookies ever. And when they become Grandma--guess what? Children find their clothes laid out for them in the morning. The morning chorus of birds makes every symphony second rate. Weeds bloom that are more beautiful than the flowers. Rain enriches the waiting earth. A little child greets Mommy and Daddy each morning with a smile and an "I love you"--punctuated with a hug and a kiss. Those we work for make the difficult decisions without complaint--and encourage us day by day in our calling. Unexpected phone calls, unexpected acts of kindness, words of kindness and encouragement, unexpected smiles. Each day we are surrounded by "Life is precious." Do we embrace that preciousness or murmur and complain oblivious to the glories He has placed into our lives through our friends and families--and yes, even strangers? "Life is precious." Believe it? Then live each day with a dance of joy, a heart of spontaneous thankfulness to all those around you for the littlest things they do for you. Surprise them. Shock them with a "thank you" and a smile of gratitude.

Remember: each breath--yes, each one--is a gift of life from Him. May your every breath be a "thank You, Lord" for this moment surrounded by such precious gifts. More and better I do not need because they do not exist.